You are hereBook Reviews / Book Reviews by Title / THE OUTSMARTING OF CRIMINALS by Steven Rigolosi
THE OUTSMARTING OF CRIMINALS by Steven Rigolosi
The hardcover version of Steven Rigolosi’s THE OUTSMARTING OF CRIMINALS promises exquisite delights. Just holding the book in my hands I know I’m about to embark on a pastiche of amateur detective fiction. The cover simulates a beautiful pen and ink drawing, reminescent of the line drawings which preceded BBC’s Friday Night Mysteries. The pages are heavy and crisp and I’m sure I can hear violins.
You’d expect the protagonist to be a bright, strait-laced lady of uncertain years—but Miss Felicity Prim brings much more. She’s surprisingly open-minded for such a well-brought up person—possibly because she’s a New Yorker—but she does rather have a deliberate approach to life. Her literal-mindedness adds unexpected humour.
Bruno the dog is a treat.
The story proceeds apace. Some events are so preposterous that I’m certain the intention is tongue-in-cheek. Characters unselfconsciously screw up the plot. Miss Prim charges to the rescue. Characters behave more like themselves. Confusion ensues.
The plot of THE OUTSMARTING OF CRIMINALS is mind-bogglingly convoluted with a (long) laugh out loud conclusion, which I unhesitatingly proclaim that thou shalt never guess.
I was planning on giving this book to someone who’d appreciate it, but perhaps I’ll just keep it around so that I might re-read it when the mood strikes.
Miss Felicity Prim is a strong enough character for a series, so I hope Steven Rigolosi is listening.
Well done, sir.
THE OUTSMARTING OF CRIMINALS
by Steven Rigolosi
© 2014
Published by Ransom Note Press
Read an excerpt
Buy Amazon US
Buy Barnes & Noble
Buy Amazon Canada
Buy Amazon UK
Buy Amazon France
Buy Amazon Germany
Buy Amazon Austria
Buy Amazon Italy
Buy Amazon Spain
Buy Amazon Japan